Welcome to my blog. After 38 yrs of service I retired. I started this blog in Aug. 2010 and I have not looked back. You can say I am addicted because I can go to my scraproom and create for hours. I just cannot imagine not having this outlet in my life...I LOVE IT. I have a great passion for paper crafts and I invite you to join me for some creative time!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Before you start throwing out those Christmas cards I want to share an idea I got from my up line Sandy Hancock. She recycled them to make Christmas tags!

Start by placing a Christmas card on the Top Note die by Stampin' Up and cut out a scene from the front of the card. If there is writing on the back of the front of the card, just cut a matching Top Note card stock piece to cover up the writing.

I received several very beautiful cards that I wasn't sure I wanted to cut them up. But they also made beautiful tags so it was worth it.

Score the Top Note scene that has been cut out about an 1" from the edge.

Use Sticky Strip to attach it to a plain colored piece of card stock also cut out of the Top Note. I recently bought these great pair of scissors that are glue resistant and I love them!

Punch the corner of your tag and add a pretty piece of ribbon. Stamp either "To: and From:" which I did, or stamp a Christmas verse inside the tag. Now you have several tags for next year. I posted a similar idea last year which you can view, dated December 29, 2010, titled Top Note Gift Tags.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

This past weekend I took my granddaughters to the Belaggio Las Vegas to see the Winter Wonderland exhibit. We were amazed at the spectacular decorations. Especially breathtaking was the penguin display.

There are hundreds of beautiful poinsettias, that you cannot help take picture after picture.

Eternal Father, Lord of hosts, watch o'er the men who guard our coasts. Protect them from the raging seas and give them light and life and peace. Grant them from thy great throne above the shield and shelter of thy love. --Navy Hymn

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I think I'm done and ready for Christmas with 5 days to go. I decorated my tree, bought and wrapped all the gifts and finally have my table set for our family Christmas dinner. I'm expecting a houseful of merriment with my three children and their spouses along with my six grandchildren. Oh, and a visit from Santa.

I've seen these cute utensil holders and decided to make my own. I made this one by tracing the shape of a tree on foam twice and cut half off of one to form a pocket. Then I glued the two pieces together on the sides and bottom with the glue gun. I cut 12 pieces of 5/8" wide ribbons at 4 1/2", folded, and glued the ends together. Glue the ribbons to the foam tree starting with five at the bottom, then the middle row of four and ending with three for the top. Glue a jingle bell at the top and you're done.

This is the back view of the pocket where you place your utensils. As you can see I used my fine China and sterling silverware (lol). I hope you like this idea and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment. You still have time to make a few of your own.

Monday, December 19, 2011

With only 6 days before that day, I know we're all rushing around trying to get ready for that special day. I took sometime this weekend to make this mini Christmas album. I hope you like it.

For my album I used five 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" business envelopes, then glued the flaps and cut the envelopes in half. That gave me ten pockets. Using scraps from different DSP and stickers I decorated each pocket. I also created several pockets and tags for pictures and journaling. For more detailed instructions go to:

Friday, December 16, 2011

Another week has quickly gone by and Christmas is only 9 days away. I haven't been up to the snow yet, but the cold weather makes me feel like I'm there. Unfortunately, my pictures don't do my layout justice. In person it is very glittery and it sparkles.